How to Search Illinois Criminal Records (Start Here)
Illinois criminal records come from two main sources: the state criminal history repository (maintained by the state police or equivalent agency) and individual county court systems. These are separate databases that may show different information.
What this page covers: Illinois state-level criminal history searches, county court criminal case lookups, and sex offender registry searches. What it does not cover: Federal criminal cases (those require PACER) or arrest records that did not result in charges.
Where to start: For a broad criminal history check, start with the state repository. For specific case details (charges, dispositions, documents), go to the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case was filed. For sex offenders, use the state sex offender registry.
Common mistake: A state criminal history search and a county court search are not the same thing. The state repository compiles conviction data from across the state. County courts have the actual case files with full detail. You may need both.
Adams County Inmates
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Use this Adams County, Illinois Sheriff's Office service to browse the inmate population roster.
Champaign County | Court Records
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Court record search from the Champaign County Circuit Clerk.
Chicago | Prostitution Patron Arrests
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Chicago Police Department searchable index of recent prostitution solicitor arrests.
Child Murderers & Violent Offenders Against Youth
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Use this Illinois State Police service to search for child murderers and offenders convicted of violent offenses against youths.
Cook County Inmates
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Search the Cook County Sheriff's Office inmate records by name or jail number.
Crawford County Inmates - Jail Roster
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The sheriff's office of Crawford County, Illinois provides this daily jail roster, with information including inmate name, bond amount and holds.
Criminal Histories (information)
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Information from the Illinois State Police on how to order criminal history searches under the provisions of the Uniform Conviction Information Act.
DuPage County DUMEG Most Wanted
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DuPage County Illinois Metropolitan Enforcement Group (DUMEG) list of most wanted fugitives.
DuPage County Inmates | SIRIS
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DuPage County, Illinois Sheriff's Inmate Reference Information System (S.I.R.I.S.). Search by name for current inmates or view inmate photos.
Inmates and Parolees | Department of Corrections
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Inmate & parolee search from the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Kane County Indictments
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The State's Attorney's office of Kane County, Illinois provides these daily listings of indictments, with information including suspect name, DOB.
Logan County Court - Criminal Index 1857-1945
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Search Illinois State Archives database of Logan County, Illinois Circuit Court Criminal Case Files for the period 1857-1945.
Madison County | Criminal Court
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Madison County felony, DUI, misdemeanor, and traffic court records.
McHenry County Criminal Court Records
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Find criminal and traffic filings from the McHenry County Circuit Court. Search by name, case number, or ticket number.
McLean County | Court Records
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McLean County Circuit Clerk criminal and traffic court records.
Methamphetamine Manufacturers in Illinois
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Use this Illinois State Police service to search for persons convicted for manufacturing methamphetamines.
Peoria County | Indictments
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Felony criminal indictments from the Peoria County Grand Jury.
Pittsfield Arrests
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Browse a list of recent arrests made by the Pittsfield, Illinois Police. Tip: Click on "Arrests" at bottom of page. PDF format.
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Rockford Arrest Log
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Browse the Rockford, Illinois Police arrest log for the past 7 days. Tip: Scroll to bottom of page and click on "Arrest Log". PDF format.
Winnebago County
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Civil, criminal, and traffic case records from the Winnebago County 17th Judicial Circuit Court.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Illinois offer a free criminal history search? ▼
It varies. Some states offer free online criminal name searches through the state police website. Others charge a fee. Check the databases listed on this page for the current options in Illinois.
What is the difference between a criminal history check and a court search? ▼
A criminal history check (through the state repository) shows convictions compiled statewide. A court search (through the Circuit Clerk) shows the actual case file — charges, motions, dispositions, and documents. They serve different purposes.
Are arrest records included? ▼
Not always. Many states only report convictions in their public criminal history databases. Arrests that did not lead to charges or convictions may not appear. Check the specific database's scope.
Are federal criminal cases included? ▼
No. Federal criminal cases are in PACER, not the state system. If someone was charged with a federal crime in Illinois, search the relevant U.S. District Court through PACER.
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